Point Park | Chattanooga

The next day in Chattanooga was beautiful.  There was no rain and it was just a bit overcast.  We headed up to Point Park and took in the view.  I don't think we were able to see 7 states but it was still beautiful. 

Chattanooga Choo Choo

While we were in Chattanooga, we stayed at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel. I love the idea of this hotel and we actually have a hotel that is a converted train station here in Nashville as well.  However, this place is run down. It clearly has never been updated and it really shows. The good news is, they are planning renovations! But, because of the renovations most of the restaurants at the hotel are closed. And thats okay because one of the biggest pros is that it is right next to the free electric shuttle that runs downtown every five minutes! We rode that thing as much as we could during the one night we were there. 

Even though the hotel is run down, I would stay there again. We stayed in one of the train cars and that was so fun. You literally feel like you could take off on an adventure at any moment.  Plus if Kian happens to love trains, what would be more fun than visiting the train museum and then staying on a train car.

Tennessee State Aquarium

Listening to a "real man" talk about breeding

Fish kisses

We spent our first night away from Kian a few weeks back and took a little trip to Chattanooga.  Our original plan was to hike the whole day but we happened to be going while the effects of hurricane Joaquin were strong and it rained all day. So we quickly changed our plan and visited the aquarium.  I love a good aquarium.

This aquarium is split up into two part.  The first part is freshwater and is very well designed and huge! We spent a good hour walking through this part and we truly enjoyed it.  The second part is the "salt water" section and it really felt more like a "this was donated and we didn't know what to do with it" section.  You start by visiting some penguins (always fun), then you see some giant parrots right next to a touch area full of rays and sharks.  After the rays and sharks you make the logical transition to, a butterfly exhibit. Then you go down do a giant tank with many fish, a shark and a sea turtle.  This is the main salt water part as there are little exhibits of an octopus, several types of jellyfish and some crabs surrounding the big tank.  Then you leave! It is a good salt water aquarium for being no where near salt water but if you have been to other aquariums I wouldn't expect much from it.  The focus is on the freshwater building and it is awesome.